​Where Can I Vape? Public Vape Restrictions

Posted by Courtney McElligott
on
January 17, 2018

So where exactly can I vape?

The differences between vaping and smoking a
traditional tobacco cigarette are pretty stark. After all, a vape device will
emit small puffs of scented steam rather than ashy smoke. A vape device won’t
leave a trail of ash in its wake as it works, and doesn’t give off second-hand
health issues the way cigarette smoke does. And, perhaps most importantly, the
e-juice that a person inhales from a vape device doesn’t contain toxic,
health-damaging chemicals. So it stands to reason that we shouldn’t place the
same restrictions on vaping that we do on tobacco cigarettes, right? And yet,
it feels like that is often what happens.

In the grand scheme of things, vaping is still
a pretty new innovation. The first vape devices only came about in the first
few years of the new millennium, while cigarettes have been around for a couple
of centuries in one iteration or another. What this means for vaping is that
it’s still a new enough phenomenon that there isn’t one widespread set of
regulations for it. Some regions place as many restrictive measures on vaping
as they do on cigarettes, while other areas treat vaping more like a portable
incense device than a smoking-comparable apparatus. Given the disparity between
different regulations, it’s easy to understand why so many vapers continue to
have questions about where it’s acceptable to vape, and what the etiquette is.

Vaping In/On Your Property

Let’s start with the easiest question: can you
vape at home? The answer is, generally, yes. By an FDA mandate from 2016, vape
supplies and products have to be regulated in the same manner as tobacco
products. Basically, what this means is that if you’re over the legal age and
you own your own property, you’re well within your rights legally to vape all
you want at home. However, this also means that your landlord is legally
allowed to restrict your use of vape products used within a rental property,
just as they can with cigarettes. If you’re concerned about being able to vape
in your apartment, check your lease or ask your landlord. Otherwise, you’re
good to go—though, of course, if you happen to accidentally damage a rental
property with your vape supplies, you’re still responsible for that.

Now, what about in your car? Or a business you
own? The easy answer is that you are free and clear to vape in your car with no
worries, but you may want to keep the vape clouds to a minimum so police don’t
think you’re up to anything illicit. At the state level, you can vape in a
business you own with no problems. However, local restrictions may change that.
Even if it is legal, use your better judgment so you don’t inadvertently drive
away business because clouds of steam billow out when someone opens the door.

Vaping Away From Home

Indoor Locations

The bigger concern most vapers have is what
happens once you leave the privacy of your home and head to any public area.
And, unfortunately, this is where the line gets a lot blurrier. In terms of
indoor use in public spaces, most states treat vaping as they do cigarette
smoking, which means it’s going to be outlawed in places like restaurants,
hospitals, and workplaces. If you’re curious about your state’s specific
regulations, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation keeps an
updated
list
of each state’s regulations. As a rule of thumb, if smoking
cigarettes isn’t allowed, assume you probably can’t vape there.

The caveat there, of course, is public venues
with designated smoking areas. For example, a hotel that offers smoking rooms
will likely be fine with vaping, but if they are non-smoking only, they may or
may not have restrictions on vaping. Otherwise, the permission for vaping
indoors will lie firmly in the hands of the proprietor, so find someone to ask
or head outside.

Outdoor Locations

Though it may seem counterintuitive, heading
outdoors to vape is even more complex than indoor public spaces, if only
because there is no single set of regulations for the entire country. It would
make sense that outside, where the scent can dissipate quickly, vaping would be
more acceptable; the trouble comes when a state or local law treats vaping like
cigarettes. For example, in most states, it’s legal to vape in open-air public
areas like public parks. Conversely, some states’ zero-smoking policies for
public areas will include vaping outdoors as well. This often includes
universities, transit vehicles, and busy downtown city areas, but this will
generally be on a case-by-case basis. If you’re in a public area, keep an eye
out for signs; most areas will post about the prohibition of vaping as well as
cigarettes.

Want to learn more about vaping? The knowledgeable
team here at Central Vapors is here to help! We offer vape supplies for
everyone from beginner to expert, as well as a variety of e-juice options.

Contact us

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WARNING: Central Vapors eJuices and e-cigs are age restricted products. Eliquid with or without nicotine including DIY E-Juice vapor is considered a tobacco product and age restricted by local state law. Vape box mods and related vaping hardware offered by Central Vapors is intended for use by persons of legal vaping age with valid photo id. All electronic cigarettes and vape mods are sold for recreational purposes rather than smoking cessation while stating no scientific fact vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. Nicotine liquid and ejuice flavor concentrate regardless of nicotine concentrate is for experienced adults mixing DIY eliquids and can be poisonous if handled incorrectly. Nicotine liquid is know to be highly addictive substance and when found in vape juice and e liquids may be harmful or fatal if orally ingested. Keep all vape liquids and e-cigarette mods out of reach of small children. Flavored Vape juices include the ingredients propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and natural or artificial flavor concentrates specifically for ejuice. Nicotine juices and vape liquids may contain nicotine, a chemical known to the state of california to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.